2.09 Ct. Cabochon Coral from Italy

This specimen is an opaque, round shape salmon and white coral of 2.09 carats, with dimensions of 9.16 x 9.07 x 3.58 mm, presented as a cabochon cut with light color intensity and an excellent polish, enhancement no enhancement, origin Italy. The surface is smooth and even, with a gentle domed profile that accentuates the soft, warm tones that range from pale salmon to a near creamy white. The uniformity of tone and the fine polish reflect careful selection and skilled lapidary work, resulting in a piece that is stable and wearable. The measurements and weight are consistent with a compact, dense coral cabochon that has been shaped to maximize its tactile appeal and to provide a clean, understated canvas for setting in a variety of jewelry styles.

To imagine how this coral formed millions of years ago, consider the shallow, sunlit seas that once covered parts of what is now the Mediterranean basin. Small colonial animals called coralline polyps secreted calcium carbonate frameworks as they lived and reproduced. Over long intervals these colonies accreted layer upon layer of skeletal material, each generation adding to the architecture of the colony. Organic pigments and microscopic inclusions became incorporated into the growing skeleton, producing the subtle salmon tones and pale zones that characterize this piece. Over geological time scales the accumulation of coral debris, biogenic sediments, and carbonate muds buried some colonies. As sediments compacted and the water chemistry evolved, the calcium carbonate frameworks underwent diagenetic stabilization. In some cases organic matrices were partially altered while the bulk skeletal material retained its structural integrity and color. Tectonic activity gradually changed sea levels and shorelines, exposing ancient beds and concentrating fossil and subfossil corals along certain coastal shelves and slopes. The story of this particular coral begins in those long cycles of life, deposition, burial, and gentle transformation that preserved the delicate hues and the smooth, compact material found in many Mediterranean corals.

When recovered and prepared for the gem market this coral was assessed for naturality and quality, then shaped into a classic cabochon to honor its organic origin and to preserve surface continuity. The choice of a cabochon cut is intentional, as it maintains the material in a manner that showcases color uniformity and minimizes stress points, preserving the stability that is intrinsic to this coral. The cutting and polishing processes were conducted to achieve an excellent polish that allows the subtle salmon and white tones to read consistently under natural and artificial light. No enhancements have been applied to alter color or clarity, and the piece is presented in its natural state, consistent with the provenance recorded as Italy. The Natural Gemstone Company presents this coral with full disclosure of its specifications and origin, reflecting our commitment to accurate description and responsible sourcing. For connoisseurs of organic gemstones and for designers seeking a refined, soft-hued element, this coral cabochon offers a quiet, authentic presence grounded in an origin story that spans millions of years.